Collection Search

to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its...

GLC03523.23.01

to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers...

GLC03523.23.02

to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire...

GLC03523.23.03

to Stockton Bates

While they are located in a beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge, "there is not the slightest romance in walking a mile up and down the mountain for water." While on picket, they got food from several homes, more by intimidation than by gift,...

GLC03523.23.04

to Stockton Bates

Describes the recuperation following the battle of Rappahannock due to mismanagement. The men are discouraged and do not support the recent presidential proclamation. There is constant effort to increase comfort, building log structures in camp...

GLC03523.23.05

to Stockton Bates

His regiment has been transferred from Cochrane's Brigade to Pratt's Light Division, assigned to skirmish, reconnaissance, and the prevention of guerrilla raids. Their camp is much more comfortable. Wonders how greenbacks are functioning with...

GLC03523.23.06

to Stockton Bates

Describes Burnside's "mud march" and the return to their old camps, where rations are short due to the mud. Praises General Cochrane. While on picket on the Rapppahannok, they had friendly conversation with Rebel soldiers.

GLC03523.23.07

to Stockton Bates

Describes the excitement of mail call. They will soon receive another new general; "if they keep going down the list, I think I shall have a brush at commander-in-chief before the war is over." Hooker is not very popular; they prefer McClellan. He...

GLC03523.23.08

to Stockton Bates

Complains about snow and mud preventing any action. Mentions the conscription bill, necessary only because of the inability of the war to be successful with volunteers. Writes, "The public does not know the true history of this war." Reminisces...

GLC03523.23.09

to Stockton Bates

Complains about the slow news to arrive from Philadelphia or New York. Describes the visits of local citizens to their camp out of curiosity. The Regiment has several POWs under charge of desertion. Mentions black soldiers, one of whom escaped...

GLC03523.23.10

to Stockton Bates

Generals Sedgwick and Newton visited their division. Sedgwick appears to overindulge in alcohol. Allison notes the dangers of alcohol. Responds to news from home.

GLC03523.23.11

to Stockton Bates

Describes the lack of religion in camp; his regiment has not had a chaplain since the battle of Fair Oaks (which took place 31 May and 1 June 1862). Comments on the Copperhead attempts to divide the North and its impact on the soldiers. There are...

GLC03523.23.12

to Stockton Bates

Is frustrated not to get furlough. Their division was recently reviewed by Lincoln, who "looks wearied and careworn." The army is in good condition. Expresses hope that "this summer will close the war."

GLC03523.23.13

to Stockton Bates

Recounts recent battles, during which their colonel was killed and 50 soldiers were killed and wounded, losing in total 107 of 350 in the regiment and 1100 of 2300 in the division. Believes that Fredericksburg cannot be taken: "Every strip of woods...

GLC03523.23.14

to Stockton Bates

Takes delight in his Virginia surroundings: "With the Rappahannock sweeping gaily in front of us, the blue water of the Potomac stretching in full view of us to our left, the wild scenery around, and the pure canopy of heaven above, I cannot wonder...

GLC03523.23.15

to Stockton Bates

Has heard rumors of success but has not seen anything. Doubts Hooker's ability to lead. Expresses concern about the Copperheads and lack of war support. Written from the camp of the 61st Regiment.

GLC03523.23.16

to Stockton Bates

Has not received mail or news for a while and does not know what is happening. Their location has seen several battles before their arrival, with bullet marks in trees and casings on the ground. Describes a recent raid.

GLC03523.23.17

[Collection of Jonathan Bunnell, 121st regiment, New York, cavalry]

GLC05195

Letters of Army doctor under McCook, McKenzie & Miles re: Indian Wars [decimalized]

GLC05201

to Alice Hartstuff

re: apologies for a disagreement which happened before he left for San Francisco. Hartsuff complains that "it is hard work doing nothing" in the city and reports that he is distracted by thoughts of his wife whose picture he frequently looks at....

GLC05201.001

to "my dear wife"

re: Hartsuff reports his arrival at Fort Fetterman from Laramie, Wyoming (a journey of about one week through bad weather). On arrival at Fetterman, Hartsuff reports that he was attached to the staff of General Crook as Medical Director and that...

GLC05201.002

to wife

re: 7/8, Hartsuff reports that General Crooks forces have not moved much since his letter of 6/28, but with the expected arrival of a train on 8/11 or 8/12 they expect to be under arm and on the march again. He also reports that "fighting Indians...

GLC05201.003

to wife

re: Hartsuff opens with the admonition that his wife and children should deprive themselves of nothing since he is deprived of almost every comfort in the field. He goes on to describe the High Sierra as "worse than anything you ever saw, barren...

GLC05201.004

to brother

re: true to his "prediction", Hartsuff is now in the Rockies. He describes the setting to his brother and then goes on to discuss the "complicated" situation with the Utes who are being forced from one reservation to another in the wake of 1) the...

GLC05201.005

to "my darling wife and children"

re: Hartsuff again considers the prospects of trouble with the upcoming relocation of the Uncompahgre Utes to their new reservation in Utah at the junction of the Green and White Rivers. He expresses contempt for the "Civil Authority" which "spend...

GLC05201.006